LIMS Informatician - (240003QC)

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Data Analyst to serve as our new LIMS Informatician. The basic purpose of this role is to structure, transform and model data with the goal of discovering and presenting useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making on behalf of the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) within the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), including complex report building and data analytics development associated with the implementation of a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and other informatics initiatives for the SPHL within the Division of Laboratory Informatics. The incumbent will perform complex work, often requiring the development of unique solutions based on extensive professional knowledge of and experience in data analytics. The incumbent will perform work that requires independence in the exercise of judgment, in determining approaches, and in the interpretation and application of policies, laws, standards, and procedures. This role will modify or develop new methods to meet specialized data needs, and apply various research methods to mine, collect, examine, analyze, validate, and organize data and derive insights and present information from data analyses. The incumbent will collaborate with SPHL and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Information Technology (EOHHS-IT) departments to manage and make improvements across a variety of programs and develop policies to integrate data across distinct systems.

Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. 

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Responsible for establishing new and maintaining existing data analytic systems and reporting templates within the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL), Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS) in collaboration with EOHHS-IT as necessary.
• Design processes that ensure the use of standard reporting and operationalize the use of data in laboratory and business decision making through data analytics activities involving laboratory informatics initiatives.
• Ensure Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting (ETOR) activities, and other forms of electronic data transfer meet programmatic needs.
• Define new data collection and analysis processes, working with reporting tool owners as necessary to ensure data integrity and compliance. Define / redefine developed models, as necessary, including  development of appropriate programmatic business requirements and validation of data streams and database change requests.
• Maintain appropriate technical and user documentation in systems development, the development of project procedure manuals and written reports in collaboration with EOHHS-IT as necessary.
• Provide technical assistance in the development of analytic protocols for laboratory data; provide analysis of laboratory metrics and data report design.
• Develop and implement data storage systems, data collection systems, data analytics approaches, processes and other strategies that optimize methodological efficiency and quality, including laboratory data privacy and quality assurance controls and protocols regarding the collection and monitoring of laboratory data.
• Develop standards to validate data, with a focus on continuous improvement, with the ability to review the quality and accuracy of queries, analyses, and reports of other data analyst staff, as appropriate.
• Develop clear and concise presentations on findings and recommendations.
• Prepare statistical, technical, and educational reports for laboratory staff, and assist in the tabulation of data.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to regulatory requirements regarding data containing Confidential Health Information (CHI).
• Participate in intra-departmental working groups.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to engage in effective communication by creating, preparing, and presenting visual data appropriate to the audience.
• Ability to sufficiently explain and caveat analyses to indicate circumstances or applications when results are likely to be biased or misleading.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform data analysis and apply query design principles, data visualization, and/or statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of data analytics and use of business intelligence and technical tools to source and organize data.
• Ability to problem solve, use deductive and inductive reasoning, and apply critical thinking skills to complex matters.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to use data analysis and business intelligence to interpret trends to support organizational activities.
• Ability to prepare recommendations, reports and revisions based on business data analytics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of general laboratory testing techniques and methods. 
• Knowledge of information management principles. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with colleagues, superiors, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the methods of statistical report writing.
• Knowledge of project management and business planning.
• Ability to adapt to new tools and concepts in the field of Data Analytics.
• Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
• Ability to decide how to respond to and prioritize requests for information and services.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of project management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of BIDLS’ SPHL electronic systems, reporting mechanisms, and data standards.
• Ability to organize work by establishing operating and reporting relationships and by prioritizing work accordingly.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).

Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment. 

The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease.  The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety.  The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
 
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems. More information can be found at: Department of Public Health | Mass.gov

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form  

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least four years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience performing related duties that include business data recovery, analysis, query design, reporting and statistical analysis; or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitution below.

Substitutions:

I.     A Bachelor’s degree with a major in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience

II.    A Master’s degree or higher with a major in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience
 

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Data Analyst II

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street

Job: Laboratory Services

Agency: Department of Public Health

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting: Mar 26, 2024, 2:02:53 PM

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: 84,243.38 - 122,903.04 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Luciana M. Hayner / Luciana.M.Hayner@mass.gov - 8573981891

Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes